January 1 not only brings about the start of the new year but new laws as well. 150 laws took effect in the State of Illinois including:
Ban on trade, sale or distribution of shark fins
Apparently Illinois is a large importer of shark fins, with restaurants including many in Chinatown serving shark fin soup and other dishes. Who knew?
Live adult entertainment surcharge
Businesses deemed to be “live adult entertainment facilities” that either serve or permit the consumption of alcohol on their premises are subject to an annual surcharge amounting to $3 per person that is admitted to the facility. The revenue collected through these means will be used to create grants for sexual assault organizations whose funding had previously been dramatically cut by the state legislature. Your stripper dollars will go to a good cause we hope.
Crackdown on disabled parking abuses
This new law increases fines for unauthorized use of disabled parking placards and for creating or possessing fraudulent placards. It also imposes fines on doctors who falsify disability certification for anyone who does not actually qualify. It also imposes more severe consequences for fraudulent disabled parking at municipal parking meters. So stop acting crazy to get a parking pass
Sex Offender Holiday Celebration Ban
